Think You're Old?

Well, yeah, you probably are, but not 175.

Here's an email from Kathleen Falk about celebrating Dane County's 175th bday.


In 2011, we’re having a party and everybody’s welcome!


This year marks 175 years since the Wisconsin territorial legislature created Dane County.

To mark the occasion, we have a number of events planned through the year to help you and your families celebrate our county's rich history and diverse culture. A full run down of all the events is at: http://www.danecounty175.org/


Thanks to the hard work of Cultural Affairs Director Karen Crossley and a group of citizens who have spent the past six months helping plan this year-long party, we’ve selected several days for you to take pictures of the people and places that make Dane County special to each and every one of us.

The first of those four “Days in Dane” comes up February 25th and I hope you’ll share your pictures through the website we’ve set up.

“Dane County Passport” will take families to 12 of the most popular outdoor destinations in our county, where in addition to some peace and quiet there will also be fun trivia questions and prizes through the year.

Again, more information on how to get your “passport” is all available at www.danecounty175.org

There will also be a 175th corn maze, a special halftime performance this fall by the UW Marching Band, and so much more to help mark our county’s 175th birthday. Popular community events like the Dane County Dairy Breakfast, the Dane County Fair, and Take a Stake in the Lakes will also have special 175th Anniversary themes this year.

Did you know?

*Dane County has been a county longer than Wisconsin has been a state. The first Wisconsin territorial legislature met in 1836 and created Dane County. Wisconsin became a state in 1848.

*Dane County’s population back in 1836 was only a mere 311 settlers. Today we’re closer to a half-million people of all ages, races, religions, and backgrounds.

*The county is named for Nathan Dane, the Massachusetts man who chaired the committee that drew up the governing rules for the Northwest Territory.

*The county’s first governmental unit - - a three person board of commissioners - - was elected in 1839.